Treating Keratoconus With Advanced Cross-linking in Washington, DC
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition marked by the progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This deformation turns the normally round cornea into a cone-like shape, disrupting the focus of light onto the retina and leading to distorted and blurred vision. Unlike typical refractive errors, the irregular shape caused by keratoconus makes standard glasses and contact lenses ineffective for clear vision correction.
Although it's often first diagnosed in teenagers and young adults, keratoconus can emerge at any age. Early detection is key to managing its progression and maintaining vision quality.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Persistent eye rubbing, often in response to allergies or dry eye, can exacerbate the condition, accelerating corneal thinning and bulging.
Corneal Cross-Linking: Revolutionizing Keratoconus Treatment
What is Corneal Cross-Linking?
Corneal cross-linking halts the progression of keratoconus. This minimally invasive procedure strengthens the cornea by increasing the collagen cross-links within its structure.
The procedure involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the eye, which are then activated by controlled ultraviolet light. This combination causes the collagen fibers in the cornea to strengthen and cross-link, stabilizing the cornea's shape and preventing further bulging and thinning.
What Are The Benefits of Cross-Linking?
- Halts Progression: Effectively stops the progression of keratoconus, preserving the patient's current level of vision.
- Minimally Invasive: A safe and relatively non-invasive option compared to more extensive surgical interventions.
- Enhances Corneal Stability: Increases the strength and stability of the cornea, preventing further deterioration.
Keratoconus Treatment at Washington Eye Institute
Washington Eye Institute provides comprehensive keratoconus treatment, encompassing a range of services.
Our offerings include initial screenings to detect the condition early, ongoing management to monitor its progression, and advanced corneal cross-linking to stop further deterioration of the cornea.
For patients with more advanced stages of keratoconus, we offer corneal transplant surgery. Additionally, our team fits hard contact lenses to correct vision affected by corneal keratoconus.
With Dr. Joseph Mekhail's expertise in corneal diseases and a comprehensive suite of treatment options, we can manage keratoconus at every stage. If you suspect you or a loved one might be experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, visit us for a complete evaluation.
